A man was arrested in another state after police say he sent a text message to a 13-year-old boy, asking him if he wanted to buy drugs. The teen reportedly told a police officer at his school. Authorities say they then set up an undercover officer to buy drugs from the man. The man was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
When people are arrested, they still have rights. It is often assumed by the public that when a person is arrested, they are automatically guilty. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney can help ensure a person understands their rights and that those rights are protected throughout the legal process. It isn't clear if the man's rights were violated in this case, but this is one thing that a criminal defense attorney can help determine.
If police set a person up for unlawful activity, they risk violating procedures and laws. Sometimes police say or do things during an arrest or investigation that violates the rights of the person that they will later accuse of a crime. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help a person evaluate how they were treated to determine if their rights were violated. A violation of a person's rights could lead to some evidence or charges being thrown out.
While each situation is different when a person is arrested in New Jersey, it is important that they understand their rights and work to form a rigorous criminal defense. They can help protect their reputation and hopefully prevent a conviction that could do harm to their personal and professional lives.
Source: Associated Press, "Errant text message leads to drug arrest in Idaho," March 7, 2013
-Our law firm handles drug crime cases in New Jersey. Please visit our website to learn more.